fifty-shades-of-grey

I blush scarlet.“You look lovely, Anastasia, this halter-neck dress suits you, and I get to stroke yourback, feel your beautiful skin.”Suddenly, it’s like we’re on our own in the room. Just the two of us, my whole bodyhas come alive, every nerve ending singing softly, that electricity pulling me to him, chargingbetween us.“You know it’s going to be good, don’t you, baby?” he whispers. I close my eyes asmy insides uncoil and melt.“But I want more,” I whisper.“More?” he looks down at me puzzled, his eyes darkening. I nod and swallow. Nowhe knows.“More,” he says again softly. Testing the word – a small, simple word, but so full ofpromise. His thumb traces my lower lip. “You want hearts and flowers.”I nod again. He blinks down at me, and I watch his internal struggle played out in hiseyes.“Anastasia.” His voice is soft. “It’s not something I know.”“Me neither.”He smiles slightly.“You don’t know much,” he murmurs.“You know all the wrong things.”“Wrong? Not to me.” He shakes his head. He looks so sincere. “Try it,” he whispers.A challenge, daring me, and he cocks his head to one side and smiles his crooked, dazzlingsmile.I gasp, and I’m Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he’s the serpent, and I cannot resist.“Okay,” I whisper.“What?” I have his full, undivided attention. I swallow.“Okay. I’ll try.”“You’re agreeing?” His disbelief is evident.“Subject to the soft limits, yes. I’ll try.” My voice is so small. Christian closes his eyesand pulls me into an embrace.“Jesus, Ana, you’re so unexpected. You take my breath away.”He steps back, and suddenly Ray’s returned, and the volume in the marquee graduallyrises and fills my ears. We are not alone. Holy shit, I’ve just agreed to be his sub. Christiansmiles at Ray, and his eyes are dancing with joy.“Annie, should we get some lunch?”“Okay.” I blink up at Ray, trying to find my equilibrium. What have you done? Mysubconscious screams at me. My inner goddess is doing back flips in a routine worthy ofa Russian Olympic gymnast.“Would you like to join us, Christian?” Ray asks.Christian! I stare up at him, imploring him to refuse. I need space to think… what thefuck have I done?“Thank you, Mr. Steele, but I have plans. It’s been great to meet you, sir.”“Likewise,” Ray responds. “Look after my baby girl.”“Oh, I fully intend to, Mr. Steele.”